Research Economist John Husing

When I Ran a Casino I Was on the Dance Floor Every Night

Dr. John Husing is a research economist who has studied Southern California’s growing economy since 1964. He has produced city- and county-specific economic development strategies for the region’s local governments and today works as the chief economist for the Inland Empire Economic Partnership. Before joining the panel at a Zócalo/The California Wellness Foundation event, “Will the Inland Empire’s Sprawl Create the Community of the Future?” Husing talked about his expansive art collection.

Q:

What is your favorite city in the Inland Empire?


A:

It has to be Redlands, which is where I live. If you drive around Redlands there are people walking, running, on bicycles … And if you enjoy dining we have two or three of the best restaurants in all of Southern California. It’s a beautiful place.


Q:

How many countries have you traveled to?


A:

65.


Q:

If you had to pick one city, what was your favorite?


A:

Paris.


Q:

Do you prefer travel by boat, airplane, or train?


A:

Personally, I prefer the train. I don’t do it very often because my wife has extreme motion sickness.


Q:

Describe yourself in five words.


A:

Intellectual. Aggressive. Ethical. Athletic. Adventurous.


Q:

Do you prefer tacos, or sushi?


A:

No. I love both.


Q:

What’s your favorite drink?


A:

Single malt Islay scotch.


Q:

What art is on your walls?


A:

Our house looks like an art museum, we have a Lichtenstein, a Calder, and we also have artifacts from my adventure travels: masks, bows and arrows, a wooden tablet with the Quran from Mali … you name it. We have a rock made out of a paper bag that is by an artist who was my girlfriend in college.


Q:

What does it take to get you on the dance floor?


A:

When I ran a casino I was on the dance floor every night.